Magnesium Indicators

Intracellular Mg2+ is important for mediating enzymatic reactions, DNA synthesis, hormonal secretion, and muscular contraction. To facilitate the investigation of magnesium’s role in these and other cellular functions, Molecular Probes™ fluorescent indicators are designed to deliver ratiometric or intensity-based signals for reporting Mg2+ concentration using UV or visible excitation.

Indicators for Magnesium

UV or visible excitation

Ratiometric or intensity-based measurement

Measurements using fluorescent Mg2+ indicators are somewhat more demanding than intracellular Ca2+ determinations because physiological changes in Mg2+ concentration are relatively small—but Mg2+ indicators are generally designed to maximally respond to the Mg2+ concentrations commonly found in cells, typically ranging from about 0.1 mM to 6 mM.